Pickett State Forest

Size: 20,932 acres/8,471 ha. Pickett State Forest is located in northeastern Tennessee in Pickett and Fentress Counties near the Kentucky-Tennessee border. The eastern side of the forest is adjacent to the Big South Fork Recreation Area. This Forest originated from a land donation to the State by Stearns Coal and Lumber Company in 1933. It became a State Forest in 1935. At the time of donation, most of the merchantable sawtimber had been removed and the area had been repeatedly subjected to fire and grazing. About 53% of the Forest is in hardwood types, 24% in pine type, and 21% in mixed hardwood and pine. Ninety-five percent of the Forest is in trees older than 40 years and most of the area is well stocked. Basal area averages about 80 square feet per acre and 60% of that is hardwood. There are also three unregulated areas (916 acres) that have been set aside to protect the integrity of view sheds and water quality. There are 46 known archaeological sites on the forest. The forest has been the site of research projects conducted by various Universities. Hunting has been a traditional use of the forest. In addition, there are 35 miles of hiking trails, and certain forest roads are available for horseback riding. All types of OHVs use unimproved roads. Rock climbing, bird watching, and swimming are also popular activities on the forest.